Spray cleaning device

Abstract

A spray cleaning device includes a bottle made of a resilient material and a cap with a compression nozzle is provided. Squeezing the resilient bottle forces contained fluid through a channel in the nozzle, dispensing a stream at increased pressure and velocity. In some embodiments, the bottle includes a annular shoulder that supports a rigid collar. The rigid collar provides external threads for the cap and a rigid foundation for a compression seal. An opening of the bottle may be defined by an integrated gasket at the distal end of the neck. The resilient neck may allow the rigid collar to be passed over the integrated gasket during assembly. When the cap is tightened, it applies axial force to the integrated gasket against the collar, and in turn against the shoulder, to create a fluid-tight seal.

Description

SPRAY CLEANING DEVICETechnical Field

[0001] The invention relates to spray cleaning devices that dispense fluid from an opening or nozzle.Background

[0002] With the increasing focus on water conservation throughout the world, consumer products have been adapted in response to water conservation efforts and regulations. The design of toilets has changed significantly to accommodate these efforts and regulations, for example by the introduction of low-flow restrictors and eliminating larger water basins in toilet bowls in favour of narrower and shallower water basins. A result of designing toilets to conserve water, however, is that in many instances modern toilets do not provide or contain enough water to effectively flush all waste material introduced into the toilet water or clean off waste material adhering to the basin.

[0003] Consequently, fecal toilet staining is prolific in modern toilets and there is a shortcoming in the way users leave a toilet clean for the next use or for the next user.

[0004] Some solutions currently exist to address fecal toilet staining aside from a full-scale cleaning of the toilet. One is to flush multiple times, which uses more water and may not address the staining. Another is to apply non-stick formulations to the surface of the toilet; however, such formulations may not be completely effective, especially over time, and also add to cost. A common solution is to use a toilet brush, which may or may not be available, and if available, may not be sanitary. Further, cleaning and sterilizing toilet brushes is often impractical, difficult, unhygienic or otherwise undesirable. For example, retailers sell low-cost disposable toilet brushes hoping for quick replacement, and more expensive residential models can sit for years before replacement. Additionally, while using toilet brushes periodically may have been practical previously, when toilet brushes must be used multiple times a day in many cases, their consistent use is impractical. Frequently, bathroom users will choose to walk away without cleaning a stained toilet.

[0005] There is a general desire to provide solutions for the effective, convenient, hygienic and sanitary cleaning of fecal staining in toilets at the time of creation. There is a general desire to provide solutions for the effective, convenient, hygienic and sanitary cleaning of fecal staining in toilets without flushing multiple times or using a toilet brush. There is a general desire to provide solutions for the effective, convenient, hygienic and sanitary cleaning of fecal staining in toilets so a user can leave the toilet clean for the next use or for the next user.

[0006] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.Summary

[0007] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the abovedescribed problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0008] One aspect of the invention provides a spray cleaning device comprising a bottle made of a resilient material, the bottle having an opening and a cap for the bottle, the cap removably attachable with the opening and comprising a compression nozzle. The compression nozzle comprises a channel in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle, the channel having an inlet end towards the interior of the bottle and an outlet end towards the exterior of the bottle. A fluid contained in the bottle is forced to exit the compression nozzle through the channel when the bottle is squeezed, thereby dispensing a stream of the fluid at increased pressure and velocity from the outlet end of the compression nozzle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the width of the inlet end is wider than the width of the outlet end. The width of the channel may gradually taper from the width of the inlet endto the width of the outlet end , and the channel of the compression nozzle may be substantially conical. In some embodiments, the width of the inlet end is about 8 mm and the width of the outlet end is about 2 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the compression nozzle is recessed in the cap such that a distal end of the compression nozzle is flush with a top surface of the cap. Heights of the threaded portions of the cap and the bottle, and the compression nozzle, may be substantially similar, providing both a secure closure of the bottle and integration of the compression nozzle. Additionally, an outer wall of the cap may be flush with an outer wall of the bottle to provide a seamless transition, with a narrowing step transition defined from the bottle to the cap.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottle is a monolithic component comprising a neck and a annular shoulder at a base of the neck. The opening of the bottle may be defined by an integrated gasket formed at a distal end of the neck. The device may further comprise a rigid collar configured to be received over the neck. In some embodiments, the resilient material of the neck is configured to temporarily deform to allow the rigid collar to pass over the integrated gasket during assembly, after which the integrated gasket returns to a relaxed state to capture the rigid collar on the neck. The rigid collar may comprise a base configured to rest upon the annular shoulder to provide structural support and a rigid foundation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cap is configured to apply an axial force to the integrated gasket against a top surface of the rigid collar when tightened, while the annular shoulder supports the rigid collar against said axial force to create a fluid-tight compression seal.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the rigid collar may comprise at least two collar segments configured to be joined together around the neck of the bottle. These segments may be joined via a snap-fit interface to form a rigid ring captured between the annular shoulder and the integrated gasket without deforming the resilient material of the neck.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opening of the bottle or the cap further comprises threaded portions or a gasket to seal the bottle such that fluid exits only from thecompression nozzle. The bottle may be teardrop shaped or resemble a vase. The resilient material may be silicon or plastic.

[0015] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0017] FIG. 1 A shows a front perspective view of a spray cleaning device.

[0018] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the spray cleaning device shown in FIG 1A.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the cap of the spray cleaning device taken at 2 on FIG. 1B.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of a spray cleaning device including a decorative artificial flower.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows an exploded front perspective view of a spray cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the spray cleaning device shown in FIG.4 in assembled form.

[0023] FIG. 5B shows a detail view of the neck and cap assembly of the spray cleaning device taken from FIG. 5A.Description

[0024] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0025] As used herein, “resilient” when used in reference to a material means a material that may be deformed, for example, when manual force is applied by squeezing, and returns substantially to its original shape and dimensions when the applied force is removed.

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 A and 1 B, a spray cleaning device 100 is provided with bottle 110 and cap 120. FIG. 1 B shows cross-sectional details of spray cleaning device 100 including bottle 110 and cap 120. Cap 120 is removably attached to bottle 110.

[0027] In FIGS. 1 A and 1 B, bottle 110 is provided in a teardrop shape with the width of the bottle widening from the opening and neck towards the middle of the bottle and then narrowing from the middle towards the base of the bottle. The teardrop shape provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. The resemblance to a vase enhances its visual appeal. The bulbous lower portion of the bottle serves multiple purposes: it increases liquid capacity, provides a more ergonomic grip for squeezing, and ensures a pressurized stream as the liquid is forced through the narrowing neck. Additionally, when filled, the wider base lowers the center of gravity, improving stability and reducing the risk of tipping over. In other embodiments, bottle 110 may take any other suitable shape.

[0028] Fluid is filled / dispensed in the opening of bottle 110 when cap 120 is not attached. The fluid may be water or another fluid for cleaning surfaces and objects such as bathroom cleaning fluids and toilet cleaning fluids. In some embodiments, the fluid may further contain essential oils, emulsions or concentrated fragrances to mask unwanted odors and / or to create an aromatically pleasing environment, for example a bathroom environment.

[0029] Bottle 110 is made of a resilient material such as silicon or plastic as a monolithic component, thereby allowing a user of the spray cleaning device to hold and manually squeeze the bottle to cause fluid contained in the bottle to exit through cap 120. Once the manual squeezing force is no longer applied, the bottle returns substantially to its original shape. It will be appreciated that any suitable resilient material may be used.

[0030] Cap 120 is removably atached to botle 110, for example via threading in the interior of the cap and in the neck of the botle. With reference to FIG. 2, botle 110 comprises threaded portion 140 to removably atach to cap 120, which has mating threaded portion 180, and botle 110 further comprises gasket 150. Threaded portions 140, 180 and gasket 150 operate to seal the cap and botle such that fluid contained in the bottle does not leak or escape from the spray cleaning device except through the cap, for example when the botle is squeezed by a user. It will be appreciated that other means known in the art to atach the cap and botle to seal the spray cleaning device may be used.

[0031] With further reference to FIG. 2, cap 120 comprises compression nozzle 130 integrated therein. Compression nozzle 130 comprises a channel with inlet 160 having width B and outlet 170 having width A, which increases the pressure and velocity of the fluid contained in botle 110 as it exits cap 120 through the compression nozzle.

[0032] In some embodiments, width B of inlet 160 is greater than width A of outlet 170, which further increases the pressure and velocity of the fluid contained in botle 110 as it exits cap 120 through the compression nozzle. In some embodiments, width B of inlet 160 narrows gradually (or tapers) to width A of outlet 170 and the channel of compression nozzle 130 has a substantially conical shape. In some embodiments, width B of inlet 160 is about 8 mm and width A of outlet 170 is about 2 mm.

[0033] Compression nozzle 130 thus increases the pressurization and acceleration of the fluid contained in the bottle as the botle is squeezed and the fluid contained in the botle is forced to exit the cap through the compression nozzle at increased pressure and velocity. This allows the spray cleaning device to provide a stream of fluid at a pressure and velocity effective for cleaning, for example of fecal stains in a toilet.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, compression nozzle 130 is recessed within cap 120 so that its distal end is flush with the top surface of cap 120. The heights of threaded portions 140, 180, and compression nozzle 130 are substantially similar, resulting in a compact design that facilitates both the secure closure of botle 110 and the integration of a fully functional compression nozzle 130.

[0035] Also, as best shown in FIG. 2, an outer wall of cap 120 is flush with an outer wall of bottle 110, providing a smooth transition between cap 120 and bottle 110 for a seamless and aesthetically refined design. To preserve this design while accommodating the thicknesses of thread portion 180 of cap 120 and threaded portion 140 of bottle 110, the width B of inlet 160 is approximately one-third of the diameter of cap 120 and the neck portion of bottle 110. This narrowing step transition from the interior of the neck portion of bottle 110 to inlet 160 of cap 120 helps to accelerate fluid flow, increasing its velocity as it enters inlet 160.

[0036] In operation, a user fills bottle 110 of spray cleaning device 100 with a fluid, for instance water from a bathroom sink, and seals the bottle by attaching cap 120 to the opening of the bottle. The spray cleaning device is thus sealed such that the fluid can only exit from compression nozzle 130 of the cap. The user holds the spray cleaning device and positions the cap and compression nozzle in the direction of the area or object to be spray cleaned and applies manual force (e.g., by squeezing) to bottle 110. This force causes the fluid contained therein to travel through the compression nozzle 130 at increased pressure and velocity. The fluid enters the compression nozzle through inlet 160 and exits through outlet 170. In embodiments where width B of inlet 160 narrows gradually (tapers) to width A of outlet 170, the fluid pressure and velocity is further increased as it exits the compression nozzle 130 at outlet 170. The stream of fluid produced by the fluid exiting the spray cleaning device may thus be used to spray clean desired areas or objects.

[0037] The invention thereby provides a fillable (and refillable) spray cleaning device comprising a squeezable bottle with a cap comprising a compression nozzle whereby users can, for example, quickly and easily clean residual fecal material or fecal stains from toilet bowls without using and physically touching a toilet brush or needing to flush multiple times. The spray cleaning device is easily refillable through a removable cap and can be re-used indefinitely, reducing the need for disposable toilet brushes.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 3, the spray cleaning device may include decorative elements such as artificial flower 340. In the case of artificial flower 340, this decorativeelement is inserted through compression nozzle 130 to create a decorative aesthetic effect when the spray cleaning device is not in use.

[0039] FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B illustrate a spray cleaning device 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Spray cleaning device 200 comprises a bottle 210, a collar 215, and a cap 220. Unless otherwise specified, the materials, fluid compositions, and general operations of spray cleaning device 200, including the compression nozzle geometry and the resilient nature of the bottle, are substantially similar to those described in relation to spray cleaning device 100.

[0040] Bottle 210 comprises a neck 212 extending from the main body, a annular shoulder 211 at the base of the neck, and an integrated gasket 213 at the distal end of the neck. The integrated gasket 213 is provided as a flared lip or flange that defines the opening of bottle 210.

[0041] Collar 215 is a rigid component, for example made of a material such as ABS plastic, and is configured to slip over neck 212. The assembly of spray cleaning device 200 is facilitated by the resilient material properties of bottle 210. In a relaxed state, the outer diameter of the integrated gasket 213 is greater than the inner diameter of the rigid collar 215. Because the neck 212 and integrated gasket 213 are resilient, they are configured to temporarily deform or compress to a reduced diameter sufficient to allow the rigid collar 215 to be passed over the integrated gasket 213 during assembly.

[0042] Once the rigid collar 215 has passed over the integrated gasket 213 and is positioned around the neck 212, the integrated gasket 213 returns substantially to its original relaxed shape. In this state, the integrated gasket 213 acts as a mechanical stop that captures the rigid collar 215 on the neck 212. Collar 215 comprises a base 216 that rests upon shoulder 211, providing a structural backing for the assembly. Collar 215 further comprises external threads 241.

[0043] As best shown in FIG. 5B, cap 220 comprises interior threads 280 configured to matingly engage with external threads 241 of collar 215. In operation, as cap 220 is screwed onto collar 215, the interior of the cap applies downward axial force directly onto the integrated gasket 213. Because base 216 of collar 215 is supported by annular shoulder 211 of the bottle, collar 215 remains stationary, allowing the force to effectivelycompress the integrated gasket 213 against the top surface of the rigid collar 215 to create a robust, fluid-tight seal.

[0044] The construction of spray cleaning device 200 introduces several mechanical refinements:• Enhanced thread rigidity: By utilizing a rigid collar 215 to host threads 241 , a firm foundation for cap 220 is provided, facilitating a secure and repeatable attachment.• Optimized compression seal: The use of a rigid backing of collar 215 for integrated gasket 213 allows for increased axial compression when tightening cap 220, resulting in a robust seal suited for high-pressure use.• Simplified sealing interface: By integrating gasket 213 directly into the distal end of neck 212, the design reduces the number of interfaces where fluid could potentially escape while providing a stable lip for cap 220 to abut against.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the rigid collar 215 may comprise a multi-piece assembly, such as two semi-cylindrical halves configured to matingly join around the neck 212. In this embodiment, the two halves of the collar are positioned around the neck 212 and secured together, for example, via snap-fit connectors, to form a complete rigid ring. This construction obviates the need to deform the resilient integrated gasket 213 or neck 212 during assembly, as the collar is clamped directly onto the neck 212 above the seat 211. Once assembled, the multi-piece collar functions in a substantially similar manner to the monolithic collar described above, providing a rigid foundation for the cap 220 and a backing for the compression seal.

[0046] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are consistent with the broadest interpretation of the specification as a whole

Claims

1. Claims1. A spray cleaning device, comprising:a bottle made of a resilient material, the bottle having an opening; and a cap for the bottle, the cap removably attachable to the opening and comprising a compression nozzle;wherein:the compression nozzle comprises a channel in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle, the channel having an inlet end towards the interior of the bottle and an outlet end towards the exterior of the bottle; anda fluid contained in the bottle is forced to exit the compression nozzle through the channel when the bottle is squeezed, thereby dispensing a stream of the fluid at increased pressure and velocity from the outlet end of the compression nozzle.

2. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the inlet end is wider than the width of the outlet end.

3. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the channel gradually tapers from the width of the inlet end to the width of the outlet end.

4. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel of the compression nozzle is substantially conical.

5. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the inlet end is about 8 mm and the width of the outlet end is about 2 mm.

6. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the compression nozzle is recessed in the cap such that a distal end of the compression nozzle is flush with a top surface of the cap.

7. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein heights of the threaded portions of the cap and the bottle, and the compression nozzle, are substantially similar, thereby providing both a secure closure of the bottle and integration of the compression nozzle.

8. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein an outer wall of the cap is flush with an outer wall of the bottle to provide a seamless transition between the cap and the bottle.

9. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein thicknesses of the threaded portions of the cap and the bottle total approximately two thirds of the diameter of the cap and a width of the inlet is approximately one-third of the diameter of the cap, whereby a narrowing step transition is defined from the bottle to the cap.

10. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle is a monolithic component comprising a neck and a annular shoulder at a base of the neck.

11. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening of the bottle is defined by an integrated gasket formed at a distal end of the neck.

12. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a rigid collar configured to be received over the neck of the bottle, wherein the resilient material of the neck is configured to temporarily deform to allow the rigid collar to pass over the integrated gasket during assembly.

13. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the integrated gasket in a relaxed state is greater than an inner diameter of the rigid collar, such that the integrated gasket captures the rigid collar on the neck after assembly.

14. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid collar comprises a base configured to rest upon the annular shoulder of the bottle to provide structural support and a rigid foundation for the rigid collar.

15. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap is configured to apply an axial force to the integrated gasket against a top surface of the rigid collar when the cap is tightened, and wherein the annular shoulder supports the rigid collar against said axial force to create a fluid-tight compression seal.

16. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid collar comprises at least two collar segments configured to be joined together around the neck of the bottle.

17. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the opening of the bottle and the cap further comprises threaded portions to seal the bottle such that the fluid contained in the bottle exits only from the compression nozzle.

18. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening of the bottle or the cap further comprises a gasket to seal the bottle such that the fluid contained in the bottle exits only from the compression nozzle.

19. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle is tear drop shaped.

20. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient material is silicon or plastic.

21. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid comprises water.

22. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid further comprises at least one of essential oils, emulsions and concentrated fragrances.

23. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a decorative element insertable in the outlet.

24. The spray cleaning device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element is an artificial flower.

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